THE END OF THE YEAR

As December draws to a close, many of us are hastily composing New Year's Resolutions.  

I know I make them every year.  Mine used to be the same old clichés: Go to the gym every day, cut back on calories...

And there's nothing wrong with these old resolutions.  Many of us could stand to exercise more often or get rid of some bad habits.  But there's more to life than a drive for physical improvement.

That's why I've recently begun putting a new twist on my resolutions.  I've found carrying out these new resolutions so much more fulfilling that I thought it might be worth sharing some of them with others.  Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Spend more quality time with your family.

Make sure your loved ones know how much you love them.

Share a kindness with passing strangers.

Make an effort to appreciate everyone for who they are.

Be slower to anger, and more thoughtful in your responses.

Try some fun new activity.

Whenever you see the opportunity, do something to make the world a little better and more joyful than it was a moment before.

These resolutions won't cost you a thing, might take less effort than the usual ones, and will almost certainly leave you and those around you feeling happier!

May this next year be the best yet for you and your family!

Sincerely, 

Valerie McConville

CHRISTMAS MORNING MEALS

Christmas morning is often a busy one, especially with kids or family visiting from out of town crowding the house.  Putting together a great meal for the morning is something many people don't want to take on in the midst of gift wrapping and preparations for a big dinner as well.  

Try one of these easy make-ahead ideas so that Christmas morning is relaxing and easy.

Breakfast Casseroles

A breakfast casserole lets you get together all of the elements of a complete breakfast into one dish and simply slip it in the oven to bake come Christmas morning.  There are a number of easy and delicious recipes from which to choose.

A simple breakfast casserole can be made by layering scrambled eggs, cooked potatoes, crumbled sausage, and cheese.  Simply put it together ahead of time and refrigerate.  In the morning, it needs only to be heated up in the oven and will be ready to serve within half an hour.

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

There's nothing quite like a warm cinnamon roll fresh from the oven, and if it's made from scratch it's even better.  Of course, no one has time to wait for dough to rise on Christmas morning, nor do they want to put in the effort.

You can have homemade cinnamon rolls fresh on Christmas morning, however, if you simply make them the night before.  Prepare them as usual, but when it comes time for the second rise, put them in fridge instead.  In the morning place them in the oven with a pan of hot water for 30 minutes.  Then remove the water, preheat the oven, and bake as usual.  This holiday treat will be appreciated by young and old!

Cook And Freeze

Waffles and French toast can both be made ahead of time, frozen, and then simply reheated in a low oven or a toaster.  Instead of store-bought frozen choices, you can make your own from scratch days before.  Lay them on cookie sheets to freeze and then transfer to plastic freezer bags so they won't stick together.

Freezing lets you do the work far ahead of time and simply enjoy the results come Christmas morning.  Top them with fresh fruit and whipped cream and no one will know they just came from the freezer.

Take the pressure off Christmas morning with any one of these easy and impressive breakfast ideas.  Make them ahead and then spend only a few minutes in the kitchen when the big day comes, so that you can relax and enjoy the day.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

'TIS THE SEASON FOR CHARITY

All of us like to help out when we can. Whether it’s volunteering our time, or providing funds for those in need, the spirit of charity is vital for a healthy, caring community. 

If you want to give, but don’t know where to start, here are some ways to evaluate causes that can use your help.

There are those in this world who do not enjoy the comforts of home. Those who lack the fundamentals of food, shelter, and safety. During the holiday season it can be easy to overlook the less fortunate, even when they’re right here in our own communities.

Like many in real estate, I support causes I believe in with donations of time and money. There is nothing quite as satisfying as giving back and knowing that what I give makes a difference in the lives of others.

If you’re new to supporting causes, you may have some doubts about whether or not your donations go to the people who are most in need. There are many organizations out there which claim to support a cause, but how can you be sure they devote most of their resources to the cause and not the pockets of their directors and offices? I have two resources which might help you evaluate organizations and feel secure about your donations.

First, Charity Watch (www.charitywatch.com) is a top-list of groups which “generally spend 75% or more of their budgets on programs, spend $25 or less to raise $100 in public support, do not hold excessive assets in reserve, have met CharityWatch's governance benchmarks, and receive "open-book" status for disclosure of basic financial information and documents to CharityWatch.” The website provides each group’s mission, contact information, and detailed information about governance and transparency.

Another resource for making sure your donations are effective is Giving What We Can (www.givingwhatwecan.org). This organization works to combat the effects of poverty worldwide. You can pledge up to 10% of your income here knowing the money is going directly to programs helping those suffering the most, or “Try Giving” which is a scaled-down pledge that allows you to participate at a different level.

Regardless of how you go about it, I hope this inspires you to give in any way you can. If you’re looking for other local causes to support, I’d be glad to give you a list of some worthy local organizations. Contact me today: valeriemcconville@realtyexecutives.com

WHAT SHOULD WE TRULY VALUE?

As we enjoy the holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the season when family and friends gather, and the big picture in terms of how we're all expected to get along on this increasingly crowded planet of ours.

The holidays often put people around the table who may not normally see one another throughout the year. Far flung relatives, cousins, in-laws, and other guests-of-guests may come from all walks of life. Their political, religious, and social viewpoints may differ widely from our own. Yet when we see them during the holidays, we do our best to tolerate differences. Ideally, we look for ways to connect rather than provoke arguments.

Tolerance is not always the easiest value to embrace. Now, especially, we can find ourselves thrust into polemic arguments driven by political and media forces which command enormous attention and influence. Social media and a profound lack of face-to-face interaction makes it easier to distance ourselves from our mutual, essential humanity if we let it. It is easy to be intolerant. Easy to erect high walls. Easier than ever to segment and align ourselves with only those who agree with our values and sense of our role the world.

I would gently urge everyone to see the holidays as more than a time to buy gifts, give thanks for our blessings, and eat sweet treats. Let us remember to practice tolerance, acceptance, and recognize the importance of diversity in this world.

With hope and gratitude,

Valerie McConville

PROTECTING YOUR HOME FROM A GAS LEAK

Natural gas is a safe, effective energy source, but there are times when a leak can threaten lives and property. Share this post about spotting and protecting yourself from natural gas leaks.

With the winter months upon us, it's especially important to be on the lookout for gas leaks. Heaters which may not have been used recently, lines which may have been damaged in storms... they can all be the source of gas leaks.

I wanted to offer you these tips, shared by Pacific Gas & Electric in California. Did you know that an underground utility is damaged in America every eight minutes? Gas lines are among the most frequently damaged utilities.

Here’s how you can spot a natural gas leak:

• Smell: Natural gas supply is mixed with a sulfuric "rotten egg" smell. This way, even small amounts of gas may be detected.

• Sound: Hissing, whistling, or "roaring" coming from underground or a gas appliance may be an indication of a gas leak.

• Sight: Though gas is invisible, its effects are not. Spraying dirt, constantly bubbling water in ponds and creeks, and vegetation which always dies in a certain spot may be an indication of escaping gas.

Here’s what to do in the event of a gas leak:

• Alert others and move upwind from the location of the suspected leak.

• Do not use anything that could be a source of ignition, such as vehicles, cell phones, matches, electric switches, doorbells, and garage door openers.

• Call 911 to notify authorities, including the police and fire department.

If you’re planning any digging in an area where gas lines might be present, be sure to contact your utility company before you begin digging. Most companies have free services which will help you identify the location of gas lines and advise you on how to dig with those lines in mind.

Be a safe neighbor and share these tips!

Maybe you’re looking for a home with great natural gas features like an outdoor fireplace or kitchen? I would love to help you find that home today. 

Visit my website: www.valeriemcconville.com

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR HOLIDAY GUESTS

It's wonderful having friends and family at your home to share the holidays, but it can also be a lot of work.  

Hosting for the holidays comes with some challenges that are best met with preparation and an extra dose of patience.  Here are a few quick tips to get your home ready for your holiday visitors.

Overnight Company

Whether you are expecting guests to spend the night or a surprise visit leaves you scrambling to find bedding for everyone, the simplest way to deal with it is to keep an air bed on hand.  Today's air beds are a lot more comfortable than they were in the past, and you can buy a quality raised air bed for less than a hundred dollars.  A raised air bed will keep guests off the floor and will feel more like a real bed.

A deflated air bed can be stored easily and blown up in a matter of minutes, so you can save space and still have a comfortable guest bed when you need it.  Having an extra in the house comes in handy for all sorts of holiday guests.

Anticipate Their Needs

Be prepared with things holiday guests may use up or simply forget to bring.  Stock up on things like toilet tissue.  Pick up a few extra toothbrushes and toothpaste. Add a few extra towels as well, to avoid having to do constant laundry.

Buying in bulk can save a lot of money on the household items you go through quickly when extra people are in the house-make a trip to your local warehouse store before your guests arrive.

Clear The Clutter

Nothing makes clutter more obvious, or more of a problem, than having extra people in the house.  When you are expecting guests, grab a few storage bins and put away some of the things that tend to clutter up counter tops.  Make a sweep through the house and grab anything that won't be needed for a while.  The less general clutter you have, the more room you'll have for guests and their luggage.

Getting through the holidays smoothly and with as few frustrations as possible can be done-even with holiday guests in your home.  Just be ready for their arrival and anticipate what will be needed ahead of time, so you aren't running around in search of an extra towel.

Here is a great guest checklist you can download to help you during the holidays! Click here to download.

DON'T TAKE STAIR SAFETY FOR GRANTED

The first known use of stairs was in ancient Egypt during the building of the pyramids. Chances are, some workers back then tripped and fell on them. Some 3,000 years later, injuries on stairs are still a big problem.

According to the Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, the insurance cost of injuries from falls on stairs is second only to automobile accidents! Clearly, it's a bigger problem than most people imagine.

So how do you prevent trips, falls and other mishaps on stairs?

The most common way is to use handrails. In fact, most trips and falls occur when people aren't able to regain their balance because they are not holding a handrail.

Another source of accidents are items, such as toys, left on stairs. Some people have the bad habit of using stairs as a temporary shelf for books, magazines, mail and other items. That’s not a good idea!

Always be careful when carrying heavy items on stairs. Even an overloaded laundry basket can be a hazard. If it's too heavy or you can’t see over the top, it’s too full.

A lot of this is common sense. However, because injuries on stairs are so prevalent, we need to use our common sense more often.

THE WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREE - HOW IT ALL BEGAN

I love Christmas stories and Christmas traditions and nothing is more fascinating then how the Official White house Christmas Tree came to be. The tradition of a placing a decorated tree in the White House began in 1889 on Christmas morning during the Presidency of Benjamin Harrison. 

The President's grandchildren, young Benjamin and Mary McKee, led the Harrison household into the second floor Oval Room to take a look at the first White House Christmas tree, which was lit with candles. Filled stockings hung from the mantel, and presents, candy and nuts were distributed to family and staff. President Harrison gave turkeys and gloves to his employees, and he received a silver dollar- shaped picture holder from his daughter, Mame Harrison McKee.

What began as a family gathering has become a national tradition. Over the years, the White House Christmas tree has reflected both the times and the tastes of the First Family. First Lady Frances Cleveland created a "technology savvy" tree in 1895 when she hung electric lights on the White House tree. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of Christmas Tree themes when she decorated the 1961 Christmas tree in toy trimmings from the Nutcracker Suite ballet by Tchaikovsky.

Today, the First Lady selects a theme and taps the talents of American artisans, who give life to the idea. Laura Bush chose "Home for the Holidays" for the 2001 theme, which features replicas of the family homes of the nation's Presidents.

The former U.S. First Lady, Michelle Obama welcomed the official White House Tree on December 1, 2015 to signal the start of the Holiday season. 

The current First lady Melania Trump unveiled this season's White House Christmas decorations on November 27, 2017. 

The current tree on display at the White House is a 19.5-foot balsam fir that will serve as the official White House Christmas Tree. It arrived at the White House on November 20, 2017.

5 TIPS FOR WRITING MEMORABLE HOLIDAY CARDS

Do you get writer's block when you sit down to write holiday cards?

If you’re like many people, writing holiday cards can be a nerve wracking experience. You want your message to be memorable, but you may become hung up on finding the perfect thing to say. Instead of focusing on perfection, remember the spirit of the season and channel generosity with these five tips.

Start on a positive note. Beginning your note with “Happy Holidays,” “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah,” etc. will set a bright, positive tone for the rest of the card.

Example: Happy Holidays from the Jones family! Our year has been full of many blessings.

Remember, it’s a note not a novel. Although it’s tempting to recount everything that happened during the year, try to stick to the highlights. Focus on one or two memorable things such as a job promotion, a fun family vacation or your son getting into his dream college.

Example: We had a great time hiking through Yosemite this summer with the kids before Tommy headed off to the University of New Hampshire in the fall (Go Wildcats!).

Reflect on a happy holiday memory. Take family and close friends on a stroll down memory lane with a funny or sentimental holiday memory that will make them feel good.

Example: I had to laugh the other day when Mary and her friends were building a snowman. Remember when we built that huge snowman and dressed it in Dad’s clothes? Even Nana and Pop-pop got a good chuckle out of that.

Don’t make it all about you. While you should tell the recipient what’s going on in your life, remember to ask about them and their families. Congratulate them on something good that happened this year, or say that you look forward to meeting up with them soon.

Example: Linda, congratulations on your new job! Your company is very lucky to have you! Hard work pays off. How are Mikey and Hannah doing? Is Hannah still planning to play softball in the spring?

Bring your message home with a great sign off. End your sentiment on a positive note.

Example: We wish you and your family all the best in the coming year.

MAKING YOUR HOME CRITTER PROOF

You may love animals, but with the exception of your family pets, you don’t want them in your home. Here are some tips for keeping the wildlife around your property where it belongs: outside.

• Don’t place bird feeders too close to your windows. Doing so may cause birds to associate a window with food and therefore try to peck their way inside.

• Make sure window screens are secure. If you can push a screen loose with your hand, so can a bird or other animal.

• Check screens on dryer vents and chimneys. If they are damaged, fix or replace them.

• To determine how animals are entering your home, stuff wadded paper in the suspected entry point. If the paper is disturbed the next day, you’ll know where they got in.

Never leave food outside, unattended. After a barbeque, for example, take all remaining food inside. Follow these simple steps and you will reduce the risk of having unexpected visitors to your home.

LET IT SNOW! BUT FIRST...SOME WINTER SAFETY TIPS

Preparing your home and property for cold weather conditions and responding to them effectively can reduce some of the effects caused by winter's weather challenges.

Experts agree that the following measures can be effective in dealing with the effects of severe winter weather:

• Have your snow removal equipment serviced and ready for action.

• Have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways.

• Make sure your walls and attic are properly insulated.

• Caulk and weather strip doors and windows.

• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.

• Have an ample supply of wood if you have a fireplace.

• Have safe portable space heaters available.

• Wrap water pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers to keep from freezing.

• Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.

• Know how to shut off water valves.

• In case the power goes out, have disaster supplies on hand such as a flashlight & battery operated radio (and extra batteries), a first aid kit and extra blankets & sleeping bags.

• Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm.

• Teach children how and when to call 911, police, or fire department, and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

Winterizing Your Vehicle

Preparing your vehicle for the winter season is one of the most important keys to safe winter driving. Have a mechanic check the following items on your car before the temperatures drop.

• Battery Antifreeze

• Ignition system Thermostat

• Lights Flashing hazard lights

• Exhaust system Heater

• Brakes Defroster

• Oil level Tires/tread

• Wipers and windshield washer fluid

Also, be sure to keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal, and maintain at least a half tank of gas at all times during the winter season.

Follow the steps above and Ol' Man Winter will be just a little more bearable.

WHY LIST YOUR HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS?

As Fall gives way and Winter begins to make its present felt, this is the time of year when we approach the holiday season. 

Many home owners thinking of selling typically wait during this period because of the mistaken belief that the market is slowing down and they may not be successful in selling their home this time of year.

If you are considering selling your home but are hesitant to do so, here are 12 reasons why listing during the holiday season might be your best bet.

1. Buyers who are looking in November and December are typically very serious home Buyers.

2. Smaller supply for Buyers to choose from… better odds than at any other time of the year for a home Seller.

3. Number of homes for sale in January and on will increase dramatically.

4. A home that is decorated for the Holidays shows very well!

5. Holiday emotionalism is also at a peak for home Buyers… more open to higher prices.

6. Buyers looking during the Holidays typically have more time to look for a home than they do during a normal working week.

7. Significant percentage of Buyers must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons. Often times in the case of a transfer, the buying decision must be “on the books” by the end of December.

8. January is oftentimes the month for transferees to begin jobs. Homes must be on the market earlier to be available for those individuals.

9. You can restrict showings at peak times of the month. Minimizes the inconvenience factor.

10. Sell now for more money and arrange a longer closing. This will allow the home Seller to have a larger selection to choose from in the new year.

11. Sell now, become a firm home Buyer and strengthen your negotiating position when the supply increases in the new year.

12. Possible increase in interest rates can negatively affect prices.

If your ready to sell, call me today! (780) 700-8638

SHOULD YOU RENOVATE OR MOVE?

If you need to decide whether you should renovate or move, start by reviewing your home and identifying what is currently lacking. Then determine what it would cost to improve it. 

Consider overall upgrades, such as new windows, a new roof, or new HVAC and security systems. 

Then examine each room and determine how improvements could benefit your family’s living environment, now and in the future. You might even consider the possibility of adding one or more rooms.

With estimated renovation costs in hand, have a brief consultation with your REALTOR® who will be able to add the estimated cost of affordable renovations to your home’s appraised market value. This will give you a rough idea of how much you might be willing to spend on your next home, provided it has all of your desired features.

If such desirable homes are price over the cost of your current home after upgrades, you might be better off renovating. Your renovations may even add more selling value than they cost. A good REALTOR® can help you determine that too!

SAVE ON YOUR HEATING COSTS THIS WINTER

The cold is coming, and in some places it is already here. If you haven’t done so yet, take advantage of some simple tune-ups you can make around the house to dramatically lower your heating bill.

The laws of thermodynamics can be expensive. When the big winter weather arrives, the heat can leach from your home through a variety of obvious and unexpected ways, resulting in high heating bills. Wouldn’t you rather put that money into holiday shopping or upgrades for your house?

The most obvious culprits are in plain sight: Doors and windows. The weatherstripping around doors shouldn’t admit any light, and when it comes to windows, you’ll want to look for holes in the caulking. You could even upgrade your windows to double-pane, or go with storm windows to improve insulation. But the less obvious and less dramatic options are available to you, too. Here are 5 tips you may not have thought of when it comes to heating leaks and your overall energy spend:

1. Cover up your water heater. For $20 - $40 you can secure a water heater blanket at most hardware stores. This will help keep your water heater insulated, which in turn means the water heater will use less energy to keep you in those warm showers. You might even consider dropping your water heater temperature from 140F/60C down to a safe but reasonable 120F/49C.

2. Swap out rugs and drapes. In the warmer months, you may enjoy sheer window coverings or go with bare floors, but in the winter laying in heavy drapes and thicker rugs will help trap heat. (Plus, it makes a room feel all the more cozy when it’s cold outside!)

3. Shutter your fireplace when it’s not in use. Is cold air whistling down your chimney? Does your flue close completely? Unless your fireplace is in constant use, remembering to seal it up when you’re not burning wood is a good place to save. Just remember to open the flue before you use it, or else you’ll end up with a smokey hazard!

4. Swap out your furnace filters. The harder you make your furnace work to exchange air, the more you’ll pay for it. Stay on top of filter changes in the winter. The money you spend on filters will lower your bill and help save on your furnace’s wear and tear.

5. Invest in a programmable thermostat. From your basic clock-based models to your fancy smart thermostats like Nest, programmable thermostats will help you turn down the heat when you’re not home and when you’re sleeping. A modest expense will pay for itself many times over as the winters add up.

Stay warm on the cheap this year! If you find yourself looking for a more energy efficient home, I'm also here to help: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

WE REMEMBER

UNDERSTANDING MULTIPLE OFFER SITUATIONS

In a seller’s market, multiple offers are not uncommon. But what does that really mean? 

And how should you and your agent work together to generate the most interest in a multiple offer situation? Find out more in my post… 

When inventory is tight and a market heats up, sellers often dream of finding themselves in a multiple offer situation. In a multiple offer situation, more than one potential buyer submits a written offer on the home. With multiple offers on a property, the listing agent can then try and “shop the top offer” in order to try and get the best deal possible for their client.

If you live in a hot market, how do you structure your listing in such a way that you get the best possible offers in a multiple offer situation?

One strategy for cultivating multiple offers is letting buyers know that the seller will only entertain offers on a certain date. Rather than deal with offers dribbling in one at a time, there’s a deadline for offers. When this happens, buyers know they have to have a truly exceptional offer on the table if they hope to be in the running for the property.

With a deadline on offers, buyers will look at ways to gain an advantage over other offers. This often extends beyond pricing, though pricing is a part of the picture. “Escalation clauses” are frequently built in should a buyer’s offer find stiff competition from another buyer. The clause ups the amount the buyer is willing to pay in the face of a legitimate competing offer.

In addition to escalation clauses, buyers may also waive other terms and contingencies relating to inspections, title, or financing. In some multiple offer situations, an all-cash buyer will have a considerable advantage over those who must still navigate the additional complications of their financing.

Be aware that in a multiple offer situation your agent may not be eager to try and instigate the next level: An all out bidding war. While the agent has an obligation to secure the best possible offer for your listing, bidding wars can generate a lot of bad blood between agents who have worked together the past (and hope to work together in the future). Some sellers will push an agent the direction of a bidding war, but those who do must realize there’s an inherent risk in making an enemy out of buyers and buyers’ agents. (Everyone has their limits!)

Do you live in a market that’s hot? How in demand would your home be if it happened to be on the market right now? Have you talked to an agent about the prospect of generating multiple offers on your property?

Contact me and I can help answer all of these questions and more: valerie@valeriemcconvlle.com

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN EVALUATING SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Even if you don’t have kids, the quality of a school district can have a direct impact on the value of your home. 

If you’re buying and you want to make sure your home is in a good district, use these criteria to see if your the local district makes the grade.

Given the way most communities work, the location of a home dictates the local school district. The quality of the school district can have a direct impact on the value of your home. Even if you don’t have kids or don’t have to plan kids, the quality of the local schools can positively or negatively effect your home’s value. Buyers tend to prefer homes in good school districts, either because they have school-aged children, or they are thinking of resale value down the line.

So how do you know if your local schools make the grade? What signs point towards an improving or declining school district? Here are a five things you’ll want to consider:

1. Test scores. It’s a basic measurement of student performance and educator effectiveness. Look at the performance historically for an idea of which direction things have been heading.

2. Graduation rates. High graduation rates mean a large percentage of students complete a particular school’s program, and generally reflects well on the district.

3. Student-to-teacher ratios. A low student-to-teacher ratio is generally positive, as it indicates a higher percentage chance of students receiving individualized attention. It also suggests that teachers at the school will be more attentive to the quality of the education as they are not overwhelmed by their student load. (If you already have a relatively high student-to-teacher ratio in a community that’s growing fast, beware.)

4. School amenities. No, we’re not talking about hot tubs! But we are talking about athletic programs, music programs, and special education programs. If a district is impoverished and has cut all but the essentials from a public education, you may want to hold off.

5. Local parental opinion. Ask parents what they think of the schools. How well does the staff communicate? Do the teachers seem engaged? How are the libraries? Are parents engaged, or is there little sense of community?

Though school districts are but one factor in the myriad of environmental and neighborhood conditions influencing home value, they remain an important one. Do your homework!

Curious about the local schools? I am happy to help you understand the local school district and homes near great schools. 

Get in touch with me here: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

WHEN IS IT THE RIGHT TIME TO TALK TO A REALTOR®?

When would you talk to a car salesperson? Probably only once you’re ready to buy a new car. You would do some initial research (perhaps on the internet), get an idea of what you want, and then go to the dealership to meet a salesperson, test drive the car and make the purchase.

Although that approach may work when you’re buying a car, it’s not the best approach when it comes to real estate.

You see, successfully buying or selling a home requires a lot of planning and legwork. You want the process to go smoothly, the right decisions to be made, and the best possible deal to be negotiated.  

After all, this is the purchase and/or sale of your home!

So, the best time to talk to a REALTOR® is as early in the process as possible.

In fact, even if you’re just thinking of buying or selling — and simply want to explore the possibility of making a move sometime this year — you should have a conversation with a good REALTOR®.

A REALTOR® will answer your questions, provide you with the information and insights you need, help you avoid costly mistakes, and make sure you’re heading in the right direction.

When you are ready to buy or sell, having worked with a REALTOR® early in the process will help ensure you get what you want.

So talk to a good REALTOR® when:

·  You have a question about the local market.

·  You want to know what your home might sell for today.

·  You’re interested in checking out homes currently available on the market.

·  You’re in the midst of deciding whether or not to make a move.

·  You’ve decided to buy or sell.

Getting a good REALTOR® on your side early in the game makes everything a lot easier for you.

Looking for a good REALTOR®? Visit my website then call today.

MAKING A SMALL ROOM SEEM BIGGER TO BUYERS

When you’re putting your property on the market, you want to make it seem as big and comfortable as possible. Let’s face it. Buyers are attracted to space.

However, you probably have at least one room in your home — and perhaps even more — that feels small and a little cramped.

Of course you don’t want the buyer’s first impression of the room to be its size. But it isn’t practical to be knocking down walls and renovating. So what do you do?

Here are some ideas for making small spaces seem larger and more comfortable:

• Remove any items and extra furniture that make the room feel smaller than it really is.

• Remove any obstructions near the entranceway. You should be able to open the door fully and walk in without banging into a desk or bookshelf.

• Don’t use heavy curtains on the windows. Let the light in.

• Use soft light bulbs with enough wattage to fill the room with full and pleasant (but not blinding) light.

• Less is more. Keep knickknacks, pictures and other décor items to a minimum.

• Keep the door fully open during viewings.

• Make sure there’s enough space for two people to walk in and move around without bumping into each other.

• Give the room a purpose. “This is the home office.” Or, “This is the comfy reading nook.” If a small room doesn’t have a reason for being, it will seem like wasted space.

Want more ideas for preparing your home so that it will sell quickly and for the best price? 

Call me today.